Winter in Florida

We guess it's about time to attempt to bring our blog up to date!
We started down good ole Route 75 on November 28th.  We had planned to take our time and see some different places, but that thought went away due to weather conditions.  It rained the emtire way south!  Once settled in Camp Florida the first project was to wash the roadhouse and the car. They were very, very dirty!!
We were not able to get our old lot, but still got a site in the same circle that our friends are in. Some folks were here by the begining of Nov. and others filtered in as we did. The entire circle was filled by first of Jan.

This being our third year in the same place there is not much that we haven't seen. Sad to report Roy's u-pick orange grove is no longer. The owners health has failed and he can no longer keep up with the needs that must be done to maintain his trees.  He has found another but it's further away!   We have visited several flea markets, outlet malls, restaurants, and some beaches, both east and west coast. R is enjoying a carving class in Lake Placid, and C is learning to line dance.

Our friends Bobbi and Harry were nearby in Sebring so we were able to enjoy their company for a few days. We also enjoyed a visit with Jim and Beth, C's brother and sister-in law on their way to their son's home on the east coast.  Sadly we missed them on their trek back as we were not at home and C didn't hear her phone that was in her purse.

Our son Chris was able to join us for 10 days.   We were hoping for the weather to hold so he will be able to enjoy the pool. It was very nice while he was with us and we made several trips to the pool.  We are also looking forward to visiting our ex-neighbors that sold their home across from us and moved down here.  John and Sue Rochowiak came down to spend a week with us in their motor home before heading to the Keys.  We always enjoy our time with them.

We finally made it to Solomans Castle.  One would think Soloman was deceased and someone made a museum out of his estate---- not true.  Soloman himself is still living and enjoying his paying visitors.  He's quite an artist making things out of scrap metal. Bok Tower was also very pleasing to visit.   Very interesting history there and the carilon was amazing to hear.  

The happy hours at Camp Florida were always a nice time for conversation and lots of laughs.   We decided to check out the coast when we left CF.  We stayed near Ruskin  at EG Simmons county park.   We enjoyed Karen and Deny's company, but we did not enjoy the no seeums.   Those little critters wouldn't even let us sit outside for happy hour!   We scouted the area, said our goodbyes and started our trek north.

  We decided to take a different route home .  We had been told that Helen, Georgia in the northern mountain area was very similar to Frankenmuth, Michigan.   We traveled north on 441 as was suggested by our friends Harry and Bobbi.  We found a nice highway and new scenery!  The mountains in northern Georgia are really beautiful and since it was spring, the redbud trees were in bloom.   Our destination was Dillard, Ga where our our friends, John and Susie joined us.  Dillard isn't far from Helen, so we spent a day there.  Helen is not nearly as nice as Frankenmuth.  We enjoyed some of the gorgeous scenery in the mountains and decided that it was time to head north.  Next stop was the Kentucky Horse Park, then home.